travel and tours el nido

El Nido Travel and Tours

Experience the beauty of El Nido's Big and Small Lagoons with our Lagoon Tour, where you can swim in crystal-clear waters and explore hidden coves and lagoons.

El Nido Tour A

Join El Nido Travel and Tours’ Island Hopping Tour A and experience the breathtaking beauty of El Nido’s Big Lagoon. Swim in crystal-clear waters and be mesmerized by the towering limestone cliffs surrounding you. Don’t miss out on this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to explore one of the most stunning natural wonders in the world. Book your tour now with El Nido Travel and Tours and let us take you on an unforgettable adventure.

El Nido Tour B

Experience the magic of El Nido’s Matinloc Island and visit the historic Matinloc Shrine with El Nido Travel and Tours’ Island Hopping Tour B. Explore hidden beaches, swim in crystal-clear waters, and be awed by the stunning views of the surrounding cliffs. And don’t forget to visit the iconic Matinloc Shrine – a historic site that offers a glimpse into the rich history and culture of the Philippines. Book your tour now with El Nido Travel and Tours and discover the beauty and history of El Nido’s Matinloc Island. 

El Nido Tour C

Experience the thrill of exploring El Nido’s Cudugnon Cave with El Nido Travel and Tours’ Island Hopping Tour C. Marvel at the natural beauty of the cave’s limestone formations and learn about its fascinating history as a shelter for ancient Filipino tribes. And that’s not all – our tour also takes you to some of the most beautiful beaches and snorkeling spots in El Nido, where you can swim in crystal-clear waters and see vibrant marine life up close. Book your tour now with El Nido Travel and Tours and let us take you on an adventure you’ll never forget! 

El Nido Tour D

Join El Nido Travel and Tours’ Island Hopping Tour D and experience the stunning beauty of El Nido’s Cadlao Island and its hidden gem – Cadlao Lagoon. Immerse yourself in the crystal-clear waters of the lagoon and be surrounded by towering cliffs and lush greenery. Our tour also takes you to other beautiful beaches and snorkeling spots in the area, where you can swim and snorkel in vibrant coral reefs and see colorful fishes up close. Book your tour now with El Nido Travel and Tours and discover the natural wonders of El Nido’s Cadlao Island.

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EL NIDO ISLAND HOPPING TOUR A

Welcome to El Nido, a breathtaking paradise where crystal-clear waters, hidden lagoons, and pristine beaches await you. Embark on an unforgettable island-hopping tour, exploring some of the most iconic and enchanting destinations in this tropical wonderland. Whether you're seeking adventure with a group of like-minded explorers or a more intimate experience on a private tour, El Nido has it all:

- Big Lagoon : Start your journey with a visit to the stunning Big Lagoon, a place where the azure waters blend with towering limestone cliffs, creating a picturesque natural masterpiece.

- Secret Lagoon : Discover the well-kept secret of El Nido, the Secret Lagoon. Accessible only through a small crevice, this hidden gem offers a sense of mystery and wonder that's sure to enchant you.

- Shimizu Island : Snorkel and swim in the vibrant coral gardens surrounding Shimizu Island. Witness a kaleidoscope of marine life, making it a paradise for underwater enthusiasts.

- 7 Commando Beach : Relax on the powdery sands of 7 Commando Beach, named after a group of Japanese commandos who took refuge here during World War II. Enjoy the sunshine, beach games, or simply soak up the tropical atmosphere.

- Payong-Payong Beach : Experience the serene Payong-Payong Beach, a peaceful cove where you can savor the tranquility and untouched beauty of El Nido.

PRICES FOR ISLAND HOPPING TOURS IN EL NIDO

GROUP BOAT tour 1,500php .  Included: transfer to port, lunch, water. lagoon fee, environment fee. Exclusions : transfer from the harbor to the town, Snorkeling mask hire 100php, Fins 100php, Aqua shoes 100php, Kayak 150php.  Number of people on the boat: 18-22

PRIVATE BOAT tour 10,000php  for 2 people, additional 1000php each. Included: boat with crew and fuel, licensed guide, hotel (town) pick up and transfer to port, lunch, ice box, water, towels, lagoon and environmental fees, snorkelling masks, kayaks. Exclusions: transfer from harbour to town, fins 100php, aqua shoes 100php.

PREMIUM 2 DECKS OUTRIGGER YACHT     18,000php   for 2 people, 1500p extra for each person .  Included: boat with crew and fuel, licensed guide, hotel (town) pick up and transfer to port, lunch, ice box, water, towels, lagoon and environmental fees, snorkelling masks , kayaks. Exclusions: transfer from harbour to town, fins 100php, aqua shoes 100php.

SPEED BOAT 22,000php  for 2 people, 1500php additional for each one.  Included: boat with crew and fuel, licensed guide, hotel (town) pick up and transfer to port, lunch, ice box, water, towels, lagoon and environmental fees, snorkelling masks , kayaks. Exclusions: transfer from harbour to town, fins 100php, aqua shoes 100php.

CATAMARAN   40,000php  for 4 people, 10k php additional for each one.  Included: boat with crew and fuel, hotel (town) pick up and transfer to port, lunch, ice box, water and drinks,  lagoon and environmental fees, snorkelling masks , kayaks. Exclusions: transfer from harbour to town.

GROUP OR PRIVATE ISLAND HOPPING TOUR IN EL NIDO

Choose between a group tour for a more social experience, connecting with fellow travelers, or opt for a private tour for a personalized adventure with friends or loved ones. Our experienced guides will cater to your preferences, ensuring you get the most out of your El Nido island-hopping adventure.  In El Nido, each island you explore reveals a different facet of paradise. Join us on this extraordinary journey, and create memories that will last a lifetime. Don't miss out on the opportunity to witness the natural wonders of El Nido, one of the most stunning destinations in the Philippines.

CHOOSE YOUR BOAT

8.30-9.00am pick up group tours 9.00-9.30am start of group tours 3.30-4.30pm return to the port of Corong-Corong 7.45am pick up private tours * 8am start of private tours * 3pm return to the port of Corong-Corong *Private tours can be flexible in terms of time

ISLAND HOPPING EL NIDO TOUR B

ISLAND HO PPING EL NIDO TOUR C

ISLAND HOPPING EL NIDO TOUR D PRIVATE COMBINATION TOURS AB AC CD EXPEDITONS PALAWAN

BOOK 1 DAY ISLAND HOPPING TOUR IN EL NIDO

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El Nido Island Hopping: A Full Guide to Private and Group Tours

05/07/2022 by Kristin Addis 8 Comments

If exploring secret lagoons, relaxing on pristine beaches, and swimming with diverse populations of neon colored tropical fish sounds like your perfect day, then island hopping in El Nido, Palawan, Philippines fits the bill! The natural beauty of this place is nothing short of a fairy tale, and it’s honestly mind-boggling to imagine that places like El Nido exist in the “real world.”

Island hopping in El Nido is also massively popular, so plan on sharing it with lots of other people. That said, there are ways that you can get more of it to yourself, and ways to make the tour more enjoyable.

This part of the world is ever-changing, and most of what’s on the internet is already outdated. This 2019 guide has everything you need to know about island hopping in El Nido today:

Table of Contents

If You Are Coming From Coron:

Consider going on an epic adventure from Coron to El Nido with Big Dream Boatman’s famous 4D3N trip . The tour promises to take you to places many do not get to visit, and provide the opportunity to embrace a true island life as well as to meet other travelers that you can plan to go on other trips together later.

The Island Hopping Tours

The island hopping tours in El Nido are organized into 4 different itineraries (creatively named, A, B, C, & D). Generally, Tour A is known for lagoons and beaches, B for caves and islands, C for great snorkeling and a shrine, and D somewhere in between, featuring island beaches. Each individual tour is unique and will take you on a journey to explore a different area of El Nido’s surrounding islands. This is your go-to guide for picking the one (or two…maybe three?) that best fits your adventure interests! At the end of the day, don’t stress about which letter tour is going to be the best- They’re all awesome, though some are more popular than others!

Prices for tours are fixed nowadays (though sometimes they’re discounted through the Klook links below), and just about every hotel and tour operator in El Nido offers one. Usually they call an agency who will book you onto a boat with 20 or so others, unless you book a private boat.

All tours have a compulsory 200 peso environmental fee which is good for 10 days and applicable to all tours, so hold onto your voucher! All tours also will charge 150 pesos for a mask and snorkel rental, so it’s best to bring your own if you can. Group tours also include a lunch of grilled fish, rice, and fruit. Here’s what’s on offer:

Tour A is one of the most popular of the four itineraries, essentially because it is the tour that visits the Big Lagoon. It also has a great combination of lagoons, beaches, and snorkeling which many tourists appreciate. In previous years, Tour A actually explored both the Big and Small Lagoons, but due to new municipal rules, this is no longer allowed. Because of this, there are two versions of Tour A available- one that goes to the Big Lagoon and another which goes to the Small Lagoon.

• The Big Lagoon is one of the main attractions of El Nido- characterized by stunningly deep blue water and massive, lush limestone cliff walls. These days it’s only possible to do either Big OR Small Lagoon, and each has a 200 peso entry fee with the possibility to rent a kayak for 250. I personally swam in because I LOVE swimming and even though nobody else did I was very happy with my choice. It was my highlight of El Nido.
• Secret Lagoon might not be much of a secret anymore, but it’s a pretty interesting, almost entirely sealed off lagoon save for a small opening near a gorgeous, white sand beach.

• Another great opportunity for snorkeling and seeing exquisite corals and marine life. Or just kicking back and relaxing on the white sand beach. Also, this island is a pure representative of El Nido’s geological beauty that boasts limestone cliffs covered with vegetation.
• This long white sand beach features a small beach bar that offers refreshing drinks and sunset cocktails. Keep your snorkeling gear handy, sea turtles love to hang out here!

Cost:  1200 PHP for the group tour

You can read more about my experience doing a private Tour A here , and my team member’s experience doing a group tour A here , with more detail on how to do it, whether it’s worth it or not, and more about each stop.

Tour B doesn’t get as much love as Tour A or C but for me, it ticked all of the boxes with sandbars, caves, and uniquely-shaped islands. Best of all, there weren’t as many people on Tour B, which was a nice contrast to the more popular Tour A.

• This is more commonly known as “Snake Island” because of a long and unique sandbar that slithers through this section of the Bacuit archipelago. This strip of sand gives you the feeling of walking in the middle of the sea. How many people can say they’ve experienced that?

• Also known as Ellis Island, this place might look familiar if you’ve ever searched El Nido on Google Images. It’s one of the many famous limestone structures that makes El Nido, El Nido. It also happens to have a gorgeous beach (surprised?) where you can relax in the sun, or splash around in the refreshing crystal clear water.

• Quick history lesson: this stop of Tour B is an important archeological site where potteries and other artifacts from the Sung Dynasty (960-1279) have been uncovered. This is also a location where locals hid from Japanese invaders during World War II. But now, it’s a place for you to put on your mask and snorkel and admire fish and corals, and if you’re lucky, swim alongside sea turtles.

Cost:  1300 PHP for the group tour

You can read more about my experience doing a private Tour B here , and my team member’s experience doing a group tour B here , with more detail on how to do it, whether it’s worth it or not, and more about each stop.

• The first stop of the tour is one of the most famous islands of the Bacuit archipelago. The traditional name is Dilumacad Island, but it took on the name Helicopter Island due to its shape – although some think it more closely resembles a camel or a dolphin… You’ll just have to decide for yourself!
• Once a place used to host a convent and a school, the Matinloc Shrine is now a place to walk around and explore the eerie yet charming land that legends say is haunted with a ghost.
• Beach lovers will be delighted by this tour, which provides landings at 3 gorgeous beaches that all have snorkeling opportunities. Be prepared to be amazed by the remote and serene beauty that encompasses each one- their names certainly weren’t chosen randomly.

Click here for a full review on the group tour C here!

Cost:  1400 PHP

Tour D is perfect for beach lovers who wish to avoid the majority of the crowds that flock to Miniloc Island, or perhaps have already visited and seen the “must-sees”.

• Close to El Nido town, Ipil Beach is the first stop where you can relax, swim, and charge up beneath the shade of some beautiful palm trees for the adventures that the rest of the day holds!
• Cadlao is the largest island of the Bacuit archipelago and home to one of the best lagoons as well as the relaxing Nat Nat Beach. The dramatic entrance is filled with corals and an abundance of fish. This is also known to be the least crowded compared to lagoons visited by other tours.
• Tour D utilizes the second half of the day to visit three different beaches – all of which are idyllic and pristine for those who wish to relax in the sun or snorkel around.

Cost:  1200 PHP

Are Private or Group Tours Best?

Is it worth booking a private tour? I did for both Tour A and Tour B and my feelings are mixed. In some ways, you can avoid the crowds by doing this, but it’s a much more expensive option unless you manage to find 6-10 others to join you.

Pros of doing a private tour:

• You can do the itineraries in reverse. Most tours go to the same places at the same time, so this allows you the possibility of getting some places to yourself, particularly on Tour B and D. This will probably not happen on Tour A.
• You can combine locations, and essentially create your own perfectly personalized tour.
• You choose how long to spend at each place, and you won’t have a permanent group of 19 others with you.

Cons of doing a private tour:

• Obviously, all of the island hopping tours in El Nido are vastly popular, so taking a private tour does not guarantee getting anything to yourself.
• They are very expensive. Most of the prices I saw online were out of date once I contacted the actual company, and at each place I asked in El Nido, the price ranged from 7k-9k pesos (and I asked about 15 places). You can cut down on the price by bringing your own food, though.

El Nido island hopping is not going to be without crowds, so if you can make peace with this regardless of which option you choose, you’re going to have a great time!

Where to Book:

First Name:

Now that I’ve gotten you excited about your island hopping adventure, you’re probably wondering where and how to book a tour. There are many companies prepared to take you on the adventure, and they more or less offer the same things.

There is the option to book at travel agencies in the town of El Nido, or at your accommodation. However I’ve found the cheapest pricing for group tours is actually on Klook, which you can book below:

Tour A , Tour B , Tour C .

Klook doesn’t appear to offer Tour D at this time, but as the prices are all fixed in town, you can book in person when you arrive.

Keep in mind, given the limited boats allowed for Tour A, you may want to book this one a few days ahead of time, particularly around Christmas and Holy Week!

While El Nido isn’t the secluded paradise it might have once been, it’s still a gorgeous adventure and one that I’m glad I experienced.

Happy island hopping!!

*Some links in this post are affiliate links to companies I use and trust that support this site at no extra cost to you. Thanks for supporting!

About Kristin Addis

Kristin Addis is the founder and CEO of Be My Travel Muse, a resource for female travelers all around the world since 2012. She's traveled solo to over 65 countries and has brought over 150 women on her all-female adventure tours from Botswana to the Alaskan tundra.

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05/10/2019 at 6:37 am

Thanks for the great advice on tour options and what each one provides including group vs private tours. I think it so important when traveling, while still being spontaneous, to at least know going in what you can afford, how much approximate time you have available, how to keep from getting scammed, and if you are okay with crowds. This and the other recent posts you have provided have been most helpful in this regard! Cudugnon Cave looks really interesting to me as I like places that have a neat history or have archaeological significance, plus the beautiful water where you can maybe swim with sea turtles! Too bad the area is getting crowded. It is great to see people exploring our world and helping the Philippines out tourism-wise, but it is so hard to balance that out with protecting the beauty and finding solitude. Is there a trick to avoiding the sea urchins and stonefish and other potential hazards in the lagoons? That is the only thing that worries me. I have snorkeled before but it was always the other way around, don’t touch anything because we may hurt it, although in Eilat, Israel I went in and explored the Gulf of Aqaba and then came out and then saw all the “Danger!” signs :)!

Kristin says

05/10/2019 at 9:07 am

Yes basically, just don’t touch anything!

Diny Slamet says

07/18/2019 at 7:07 am

We did a private tour and avoided all the crowds by avoiding the islands covered by the fixed tours. We jus let the boatman take us to the quietest islands he knew. So saw no one else on the the three islands we visited and enjoyed tranquil snorkelling.

07/18/2019 at 12:01 pm

Awesome which ones were they and how did you go about organizing it?

Dierin says

07/28/2019 at 11:07 am

There are 2 of us females in our 60’s we would like to do a tour We will be staying for 12 days we need separate beds please make a suggestion Thx we love beaches

08/01/2019 at 2:49 am

Try booking.com for the hotel and book the island hopping through them.

John Eric Sagun says

11/09/2019 at 6:24 am

Hi, where can we get contacts of private tours? And are Tours being sold in klook provides free lunch in their package? Thank you for the response

11/10/2019 at 11:37 am

I just had to book through my guesthouse for private tours. Yes the group tours include lunch.

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El Nido Island Hopping Tours: A Complete Guide to Tours A Thru D

January 14, 2020 · In: Asia , Destinations , Philippines , Travel Guides

This is a complete guide to the El Nido Island Hopping Tours with everything you’ll need to know before you go!  El Nido in Palawan makes it to the top of the list as one of the most beautiful places in the world. A coveted spot which is well earned. With its numerous white sand beaches, small islands, crystal clear waters and towering limestone cliffs, it’s no wonder visitors come here from all over the world.  

Planning your trip to El Nido can be a bit overwhelming. Starting with how to get there all the way to deciding which tours to take, your head might be spinning before you even arrive.  

No matter which tour you decide to join, you’ll have an incredible time and see some of the most beautiful spots around Bacuit Bay.   I recommend spending at least 2-3 days in El Nido so that you have time to enjoy sailing around to the best spots on an island hopping tour and also visit some of the best beaches on the island.   

DISCLAIMER: Some of the links in this post are affiliate links. This means that if you use these links to purchase a product or service I will receive a small compensation at no additional cost to you. Everything I recommend are products or services that I personally use and have been essential for me as a travel blogger. 

Traveling to the Philippines?  Don’t leave home without getting travel insurance! You never know when something could go wrong and you’ll definitely want to be covered by insurance! Click HERE to get a quote!

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Table of Contents

How to Choose the Right El Nido Island Hopping Tour

In El Nido they have broken down the sights in Bacuit Bay into 4 different tours. While in the past you were able to mix and match on a private tour, it seems that the rules have changed. We asked around a dozen or more tour companies and only found one that would allow us to combine spots from two different tours.

This company is called Island Seeker Travel and Tours. Their contact no. is 09392002395 or 09076362283. Their email is [email protected] and Facebook contact is Jhay Ar Andaya.

The majority of the tours will start at 9:30AM and end at 4:30PM. This of course can vary depending on if they have to wait for people who are running late. Our private tour left around 9AM and our group tour left at 10AM.  

Once you arrive in El Nido you will see that many of the tour operators will advertise that Tour A and Tour C are the two most popular tours. Tour B is the third most popular with Tour D being the least popular. Keep this in mind when booking as it’s a guarantee that the tours for A & C will most likely be completely full while B & D could potentially have less people.  

To be honest we actually enjoyed some of the stops from Tour B the most! Luckily, we were able to customize our private tour and select stops from Tour B & Tour C. This is the best way to do it and allows you to see more if you have limited time in El Nido. If you only have one day available to do a tour in Bacuit Bay this is the way to go!

However, if a private tour isn’t in your Philippines budget I recommend you take at least 2 different group tours over a span of two to three days in El Nido.  

» must read: The top things to do in El Nido

The 4 island hopping tours to take in el nido.

There are four different tour routes that are offered on an El Nido island hopping tour which will cover all of the top spots around Bacuit Bay.

7 Commandos Beach

A Snorkeling Spot

Secret Lagoon

Shimizu Island

The group tour price for Tour A is 1,200 PHP ($23.41 USD). Additionally you will have to pay a 200 PHP ($4) environmental fee and a 200 PHP ($4 USD) entrance fee to the Big Lagoon. The total price of this tour will cost around 1,600 PHP ($31.41 USD).

2019 UPDATE FOR TOUR A: As of 2019 the government has changed tour A to no longer include both the big and small lagoon. Therefore if you want to do the small lagoon you will have to do it on Tour D.

Pinagbuyutan Island

Cudugnon Cave

Entalula Island

Cathedral Cave

Snake Island

The group tour price for Tour B is 1,300 PHP ($25.36 USD).  Additionally you will have to pay 200 PHP ($4 USD) for the environmental fee equalling a total price of around 1,500 PHP ($29.36 USD).

Hidden Beach

Helicopter Island

Secret Beach

Matinloc Shrine

Tapiotan Island

The group tour price for Tour C is 1,400 PHP ($27.31 USD) plus the 200 PHP ($4 USD) environmental fee. The total price is around 1,600 PHP ($31.41 USD).

Small Lagoon

Paradise Beach

NatNat Beach

Serenity Beach

The group tour price for Tour D is 1,200 PHP ($23.41 USD) plus the 200 PHP ($4 USD) environmental fee and a 200 PHP ($4 USD) entrance fee to the Big Lagoon. The total price is around 1,600 PHP ($31.41 USD).

Where to Book Your El Nido Island Hopping Tour

There are so many companies in El Nido town that offer the same tours at the same prices. It seems to be pretty regulated as you’ll see the same boards posted up at each tour company. However, pop in and start talking with them and most likely they will offer you a discount of a few 100 Philippine Pesos off. For Tour A and C they might waive the entrance fee of 200 PHP ($4 USD) to the Big or Small Lagoon.

The group tours take about 15-18 people on each boat and they will collect people from different tour companies to fill up a boat. So even if the company you book with only have 4 people signed up, expect that the boat will be full the day of the trip. We heard from some other that Art Cafe only fills their boats with people who sign up through their company so you may get a boat that isn’t packed. However, their group trips are more expensive than anywhere else and you can’t guarantee you won’t have a full boat anyways.  

Also, most of the tour agencies stay open until around 10 PM and you can book your trip for the next day even if it’s super last minute. We spoke to a few agencies and they said that you could even book the morning of if you arrived around 8 AM.  

If you are want to skip the hassle of walking all over town looking for a deal then you can easily make arrangements prior to your arrival. You can book your tour online with a reputable company and just show your ticket the day of the tour!

» Related Post: How to Get to El Nido in Palawan: Everything You Need to Know

What to pack on your boat tour in el nido.

Swimsuit – This is a must! You’re absolutely going to want to jump into the warm, crystal clear waters of the Philippines so make sure to pack your swimming suit!

Towel –  As most tour operators will not supply a towel you will need to bring your own. If you don’t have one with you then bring it from your hotel.

Water shoes or flip flops – There will be a few spots where you will have to walk from the boat to the beach due to the shallow water. At some of the beaches there can be some corals and it’s best to protect your feet by wearing either water shoes or flip flops.   

Sunscreen – Just like your swimsuit, this is an absolute must! You will be out on the boat all day and although there is some shade you’ll want to make sure you slather on the sunscreen. Be sure that your sun lotion is oxybenzone free and reef safe. This way you can avoid getting burned and help save the ocean! Sunscreens with the main ingredient of zinc oxide is your best bet.

Hat – Another great way to protect your face from the harmful sun rays is by wearing a hat. If you didn’t bring one with you there are shops in town selling them!

Sunglasses  – Make sure to bring sunglasses or some kind of eye protection!

Extra snacks  – You will be provided lunch on the boat but if you get hungry and love to snack then I would recommend bringing something with you. There are some markets in town, fresh fruit stands and local bakeries that you can get some snacks from.  

Tip: If you are going to the local bakery I recommend not buying any of the super sweet items. Ants are very common in the Philippines and they love all the sweets. The basic bread and rolls are typically a safe bet. I definitely bit into a sweet roll that was crawling with ants and didn’t even notice it right away. Don’t make my mistake!

Bring Cash – At a few of the stops you’ll see locals paddling around in their small canoes selling fresh coconuts, snacks, soft drinks and beer. If you want to purchase anything while out for the day you will need to pack some cash!

Electronics – One of the most important things to bring on your El Nido island hopping tour is something to take photos with! You’ll definitely want to be able to capture all the beauty of the islands so be sure to pack your camera!

» Must Read: Travel Photography Gear Guide: The Ultimate List

Important Information About El Nido

• There is absolutely no smoking allowed on any of the boat trips or within Bacuit Bay. In fact, there are many places in town and all around the Philippines that ban smoking. This includes beaches, hikes and many public areas.  
• There are no plastic bottles allowed on the boat tours. The tour company will provide a large jug of filtered water and reusable cups. This is not the same in Coron however. If you book a private tour in Coron you will be responsible for purchasing and bringing your own water and food so keep that in mind.  
• In the Philippines you will find many filtered water jugs at restaurants and guesthouses. Here you can easily fill up your reusable water bottle as needed! This is a great thing to consider if you want to reduce your single use plastic usage.  
• There is an environmental tax of 200 PHP ($4 USD) per person for any tour in Bacuit Bay. The tax fee is good for 10 days so you should only have to pay it once. This must be payed by any tourist entering Bacuit Bay whether by group or private tour and by kayak.
• You will be charged an additional entrance fee of 200 PHP ($4 USD) to both the Big and Small lagoon. You will have to pay this fee when you purchase your tour and some companies might waive this fee as a “discount.”  
• Be sure to check if snorkeling gear or usage of a kayak is included or not. Most likely it will not be included or you will have to share one kayak between the entire boat.

When is the Best Time of Year to Go to El Nido?

El Nido and the island of Palawan has two main seasons. The dry season is from mid-November to May and the rainy season is from June to early November. However, during my time there in October I only experienced one day where it rained for about 2 hours. So ultimately you just never quite know what the weather will really be like.

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WHAT CAMERA GEAR DO I USE?

» Click HERE for the Full Travel Photography Gear Guide to see what’s in my camera bag!

• Main Camera: Sony A7III
• Wide angle lens: Sony G Master 16-35mm f/2.8
• Zoom lens: Sony 24-240mm f/3.5-6.3
• Prime lens: Sony 85mm f/1.8
• Secondary Camera: Canon 6D Mark II
• Canon wide angle lens: Canon EF 17-40mm f/4L
• Canon lens: Canon EF 24-70mm f/2.8L
• Underwater camera: Leica X-U
• Camera with gimbal: DJI Osmo Pocket & Underwater Housing
• Drone: DJI Mavic Pro 2
• Camera Bag: Polar Pro Drone Trekker
• External Hard Drive: LaCie 2 TB rugged mini external hard drive

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February 12, 2020 at 2:28 pm

your photos are amazing! the water looks so blue and beautiful. thanks for sharing!

February 12, 2020 at 5:33 pm

Thanks girl!! We couldn’t believe the color of the water either!

February 12, 2020 at 2:39 pm

I did Tour C when I was in El Nido and looking through all of your incredible photos, made me think of the great time I’ve had and want to go back ASAP!

February 12, 2020 at 5:34 pm

Oh I can imagine!! Tour B & C were probably our favorites especially since we did it as a private tour!

I love island hopping tours and from your beautiful photos it looks like El Nido lives up to the best of the best 🙂

So do I and El Nido definitely did! It was one of our favorite parts of the Philippines!

February 12, 2020 at 2:41 pm

Ahhhh girl you’re killing me – The Philippines have been on my list since last year and I was going this year, but things just didn’t work out. It looks SO pretty!! Hopefully next year though. 🙂

February 12, 2020 at 5:35 pm

Oh I’m so bummed that you haven’t made it there yet but I know you will one day! And you will love it when you finally get to go!

February 13, 2020 at 2:33 am

I would love to go to El Nido, I have heard so many great things about it and your post is confirming all the good things. It looks beautiful!

February 17, 2020 at 9:01 am

Thank you so much Ashley! It is definitely a beautiful destination and you should make sure to visit one day!

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El Nido Tours: 18 results found

El Nido Tour A by Shared Boat

El Nido Tour B by Shared Boat

El Nido Tour C by Shared Boat

El Nido Tour D by Shared Boat

El Nido Tour A by Private Boat

El Nido Tour B by Private Boat

El Nido Tour C by Private Boat

El Nido Tour D by Private Boat

El Nido Catamaran Yacht – Private Charter Full Day

El Nido Luxury Catamaran Yacht – Private Charter Full Day

Premium Catamaran Group Tour

El Nido & Coron Boat Expedition | 3 Days

Linapacan, Sibaltan & Taytay Day Trip

El Nido Kayaking Tour

Nacpan Beach and Waterfalls

El Nido Island Hopping by Private Boat

El Nido Scuba Diving

El Nido PADI Open Water Diver Course

Showing all 18 results

What is the Best Tour in El Nido to Book? Must-Try Palawan Activities

El Nido Island Hopping Tour A

El nido island hopping tour c, el nido island hopping tour b, el nido island hopping tour d.

With its stunning natural beauty, clear waters, limestone cliffs, and pristine beaches, El Nido is a breathtaking destination that attracts nature enthusiasts and thrill-seekers alike, making it one of the best places to visit in the Philippines . With thousands of islands, beaches, and lagoons in El Nido, it might be difficult to plan your El Nido tours itinerary.

See our popular El Nido Tours and Activities

Private el nido lio airport transfer to/from any hotel in el nido town palawan, palawan el nido shared island hopping tour a with lunch & transfers | secret lagoon, shimizu island, private puerto princesa airport to or from el nido town transfer service.

The best way to visit the top El Nido tourist spots is by joining El Nido island hopping tours. These tours take visitors on a boat ride to explore some of the best islands in the Philippines , lagoons, and beaches in just one day.

El Nido island hopping tours are grouped into 4 different routes (A, B, C, and D). Each El Nido island hopping tour offers a unique experience showcasing different attractions and experiences in this Palawan destination. 

See our popular El Nido Vacation Packages

5-day nature & islands adventure package to puerto princesa and el nido palawan, affordable 4-day el nido palawan package at den'gi inn with island hopping tour & daily breakfast, fun-filled 4-day el nido palawan package at charlie's el nido with island hopping & airfare.

Best for: If you want to visit the most popular tourist spots in El Nido, Palawan

Attractions Included: Big Lagoon, Shimizu Island, Secret Lagoon, Seven Commandos Beach

See our popular El Nido Island Hopping Tours

Palawan el nido shared island hopping tour c with lunch & transfers | secret beach, hidden beach, palawan el nido shared island hopping tour d with lunch & transfers | cadlao lagoon, paradise beach.

Best for: If you want to visit the best beaches in El Nido

Attractions Included: Hidden Beach, Matinloc Island, Secret Beach, Helicopter Island

Best for: If you want to visit a sandbar, caves, and beaches in El Nido

Attractions Included: Snake Island, Cudugnon Cave, Cathedral Cave, Popolcan Island

Finally, at the end of El Nido Tour B, you will visit Popolcan Island, which is famous for its snorkeling spots filled with schools of colorful fish and vibrant marine animals. It is also an attraction often included in an El Nido snorkeling tour .

See our popular El Nido Diving Courses and Packages

Palawan el nido 3-day open water diving course package with equipment, tank & weight belt, palawan el nido 2-day advanced open water diving course with equipment, tank & weight belt, palawan el nido 4-day padi rescue diver course with equipment, tank & weight belt.

Best for: If you want to visit the popular Small Lagoon and other underrated beaches in El Nido

Attractions Included: Small Lagoon, Nat-Nat Beach, Cadlao Lagoon, Paradise Beach

See our popular Palawan Tours and Activities

Coron island hopping tour to kayangan lake & barracuda lake | palawan super ultimate package, shared puerto princesa underground river tour in palawan with lunch & hotel transfers.

Experience the best of El Nido with these tours

Whether you choose El Nido Tour A or C, or the less popular island hopping tours like El Nido Tour B or D, you can expect a memorable experience when booking these best tours in El Nido, Palawan.

For those looking for other things to do in El Nido aside from island hopping in El Nido , various El Nido scuba diving packages are available, while those looking for relaxation in the best El Nido hotels can find comfort in the various Palawan resorts packages and all-inclusive Philippines vacation packages .

You can also reach your hotel or destination effortlessly on the island when you book El Nido airport transfers . Lastly, the local cuisine in El Nido is a treat for food lovers, and there are plenty of options on where to eat in El Nido .

See our popular Palawan Island Hopping Tours

Shared coron palawan island hopping tour to malcapuya island & best beaches with lunch & transfers, palawan puerto princesa honda bay island hopping tour with lunch | starfish, luli, & cowrie islands.

• Boracay to El Nido Philippine tour packages
• Boracay to Palawan Philippine tour packages
• Puerto Princesa to El Nido tour packages
• Cebu to El Nido Philippine tour packages

For those planning a Philippine 3-week itinerary , it is recommended to book Philippine guided tours that can help you navigate the top destinations in the Philippines . Numerous vacation packages for couples and luxury vacation packages that include Philippine island hopping tours are also available for those seeking a more indulgent travel experience.

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Which is the best El Nido Tour? – A, B or C (a Photo Guide)

By: Author MC Miller

Posted on Last updated: September 23, 2020

Categories Philippines , Travel Blog Post

El Nido is a tropical paradise popular for romantic beach getaways in the Philippines and home to 45 stunning islands which can be reached on a boat tour.

Tour companies all over town advertise A, B & C island hopping tours. We had so many questions.

But which El Nido tour is the best? What are the best islands to visit in El Nido?

So we decided to stay in El Nido a little longer to do all the tours available.

Which El Nido Tour? – A, B or C (a Photo Guide)

We categorised the tours into the Iconic Lagoon Tour, the White Sand Beaches & Caves tour and the Snorkelling tour.

Read on to see what each tour has to offer (with lots of photos) so you can decide which tour to do first!

Or, jump straight to a tour here:

• Tour A – Iconic Lagoon Tour
• Tour B – White Sand Beaches & Caves
• Tour C – Snorkelling Tour
• Which El Nido Tour Operator?
• Bonus: Save $20 off any El Nido Hotel

Tour A – The Iconic Lagoons

When you think of El Nido you probably think of the iconic Lagoons – the big lagoon and the small lagoon. If this is what you are interested in, pick Tour A.

If we had time for only one tour in El Nido, this would be it. The landscapes & the lagoons are something unique to El Nido and something that you simply do not see elsewhere.

The tour costs 1200 PHP per person ($22 USD).

Tips for Tour A:

• If you want to hire a go pro, save it for Tour C, there is not a lot of snorkeling on Tour A;
• Hiring/buying reef shoes is a necessity. You can hire a pair for 100 PHP per person on the beach before you depart;
• El Nido is an ocean friendly town so no plastic water bottles are allowed on the boat. Bring a reuseable water bottle for water.

Small Lagoon

The first destination on the El Nido Tour A is the Small Lagoon. An absolutely stunning turquoise lagoon.

Here, you have the choice of swimming into the Lagoon or kayaking (costs 300 PHP per kayak).

We highly recommend hiring a kayak as it would be extremely tiring swimming and you likely would not get to experience the full extent of the small lagoon.

Next stop was Big Lagoon – our favourite spot in El Nido and the most instagrammable place in El Nido in our opinion.

Like Small Lagoon, you have the choice of swimming into the Lagoon or kayaking (costs 300 PHP per kayak).

If you choose to swim you probably won’t have access to some of the best parts of the lagoon.

Secret Lagoon

After exploring the Big Lagoon, we got to visit the Secret Lagoon.

We loved that Tour A is action packed and includes lots of adventure activities such as crawling through a little hole to get to the beach on the other side.

The water at this lagoon was not as spectacular or impressive as the previous spots we had visited but we loved the adventure of accessing the lagoon.

Shimizu Island

After all this activity it is time for lunch on the beautiful Shimizu Island.

If you have a drone, Shimizu Island is the perfect place for a drone shot.

For lunch, we ate a delicious array of food prepared by the Umi Travel crew consisting of grilled fish, pork, prawns, vegetables and fruit. Yummo!

Seven Commando Beach

The final stop on Tour A is Seven Commando Beach.

This beach is a stunning strip of sand dotted with little beach huts to relax in as well as vendors selling various cool beverages for you to enjoy.

It is possible to use your snorkel at seven commando beach.

Tour B – Outstanding Beaches & Caves

If you are staying a little longer in El Nido, we highly recommend taking Tour B with Umi Travel & Tours – the beaches & caves on Tour B are just outstanding!

If you want to witness beautiful beaches, pick Tour B.

The tour costs 1300 PHP per person ($24 USD).

*** Note: Same Tips for Tour A (above) apply to Tour B.

Entalula Island

The first stop of the day was Entalula Island.

They don’t call Tour B ‘The Beach Tour’ for no reason. Entalula Island is the most beautiful beach with crystal clear water and white sand.

There is also super cool large rock formations on this island.

Snorkeling at Popolkan Island

Tour B is not considered ‘The Snorkeling Tour’ however, we did experience some great snorkeling at our next stop – Popolkan Island.

Snorkeling is absolutely fabulous all over the Philippines – the coral is vibrantly coloured and the fish are plentiful.

Snake Island

After a refreshing snorkel, the next stop of the day is Snake Island.

Luckily, snake island is not called snake island due to the snakes that live on the island but due to the snake shaped sandbar that joins one end of the island to the other.

We were very excited to visit snake island to get a drone shot of the sand bar however, it was high tide when we visited. Regardless, snake island was absolutely stunning and we got to see many orange starfish lining the beach.

A delicious lunch (same as Tour A) is served at snake island.

Cudugnon Cave

We love adventuring so we were happy to hear Tour B included a secret cave – Cudugnon Cave.

The cave involved entering through a tight hole and climbing. The guides at Umi Travel & Tours were quite helpful in this regard and helped us every step of the way through the cave.

An interesting fact about the cave is it was used by the Japanese during WWII to store treasure and was only discovered just recently.

The beach directly next to the cave is beautiful too. The good thing about Tour B is that it is less popular than Tours A & C so fewer people are at each destination.

Pinabuyutan Island

This was our favourite island of the day. It was so picture perfect.

At one end of the island is a palm tree lined beach and the other end of the island is the cutest Instagram-worthy house where a local family live.

If you feel like a drink, vendors kayak to the island to sell beer, soft drinks and ice cream.

Tour C – The Snorkeling Tour

If you love to snorkel then Tour C is the Tour for you. Many debate whether Tour A or C is better in El Nido as these are the two most popular Tours.

We preferred Tour A at a pinch (for the iconic factor) but Tour C proved pretty awesome too! If you have the time we strongly encourage you to do both!

The fish & marine life we saw on Tour C was world class.

The tour costs 1400 PHP per person ($22 USD). The boat travels the furthest away from El Nido on Tour C and hence it is the most expensive tour.

Tips for Tour C:

• If you want to hire/bring a go pro, this is your tour!
• Hiring/buying reef shoes is a necessity. You can hire them for 100 PHP per person.

Matinloc Shrine

Matinloc Shrine is usually a stop on Tour C but the team at Umi Travel & Tours were fabulous – they gave the day trippers the choice whether to visit the shrine or go snorkeling.

The people on the boat choose to skip the shrine and go snorkeling instead. A decision well made as the snorkeling was absolutely unbelievable in this area.

It is also a great place for epic photos on the front of the boat. The crew was very happy to oblige with some ‘couple goal’ shots for us.

Hidden Beach

Hidden Beach was one of the coolest places we saw on Tour C. If you have a drone, get it ready for hidden beach, the shot is most certainly a winner.

From where the boat docks, you must swim in to find the hidden beach located within.

As it was low tide when we arrived it was quite easy and we were able to walk most of the way in to hidden beach.

Helicopter Island

Another fabulous view from the sky is Helicopter Island.

Helicopter Island is also a nice place to go snorkeling off the beach. The best spots for snorkeling were at both ends of the island.

Talisay Beach

During Tour C, lunch was served at Talisay Beach. It wasn’t our favourite beach of the day.

However, it was a very relaxing place to enjoy the delicious lunch prepared.

Secret Beach

Another awesome place to visit during Tour C is secret beach. This would also be an epic drone shot as from the sky it vaguely resembles a love heart. Unfortunately our drone had lost power by this time of the day – bring extra batteries!

Much like Secret Lagoon, you are required to jump out of the boat and access Secret Beach through a little hole.

At high tide, it can be a little more difficult to access and you must dive underwater to enter.

Fortunately we arrived during low tide and accessing the secret beach was relatively easy.

So which is the best El Nido Tour?

That’s a hard question because we loved them all. We definitely recommend doing all three if you have the time but if you have ONLY enough time for one tour we would personally recommend Tour A.

Our Tour Company – Umi Travel & Tours

For all three of our El Nido Tours we went with Umi Travel & Tours. The staff were fun, professional and made sure we were safe the entire time during the 3 day adventure.

We met Sheen from Umi Travel & Tours who informed us that we would really be missing out to choose just one tour. And she was right! All three of the Tours in El Nido are equally fabulous and have different benefits to offer.

We also appreciate that they serve an absolutely delicious lunch consisting of grilled fish, chicken, pork, prawns, grilled vegetables, rich & fruit.

We would highly recommend this company for a tour in El Nido.

Umi Travel and Tours Hama Street, Barangay Masagana Zone 3 El Nido, Palawan, Philippines

You can find more information at  Umi Travel and Tours   website . You can also them on  Facebook &   Twitter , and Instagram .

Where to Stay in El Nido?

We stayed at  Sea Cocoon  during our time in El Nido and loved it. You can read more about our stay and see pictures  here !

There are so many fabulous places to stay in El Nido. Search & book with this Booking.com discount link and save $20 off your stay!

We hope this helped you plan your El Nido island tour! If you have anything to add or need some advice, leave a comment below!

Save this ‘El Nido Tour Guide’ to Pinterest so you can find it again later!

We were guests of Umi Travel & Tours. However, that does not impact our opinion. As always, all opinions are own own.

MC Miller is a travel blogger and writer who has travelled America extensively and abroad to over 80 countries. He founded Couple Travel The World in 2017. Since then, he has spent over 6 years on the road as a full time travel couple. When he not traveling he likes to spend quality time with his partner Bett, planning our their next date or romantic getaway!

• TRAVEL GUIDES
• DESTINATIONS
• ADVENTURE TRIPS
• HOTELS & RESORTS
• FIND HOTELS WITH DISCOUNTED RATES!

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El nido itinerary: 10 best el nido tourist spots and things to do (palawan travel guide blog 2024 for first-timers).

Looking for top things to do in El Nido, tourist spots and places to visit in Palawan? Check this out this EL NIDO TRAVEL GUIDE BLOG with a ₱7,000 DIY Itinerary, Resorts, Tour Packages, Trip Budget and Expenses to help you plan your trip!

2024 el nido travel guide blog for first-timers (updated) - things to do in el nido, tourist spots & places to visit, when is the best time to visit el nido, how many days to spend in el nido.

Hello #PuertoPrincesa #Palawan! ❤️ #ThankYou #AirAsiaPH for the safe flight! 😎 A photo posted by Pinoy Adventurista (Mervz) 🇵🇭 (@pinoyadventurista) on Dec 8, 2016 at 4:41pm PST

HOW TO GET TO EL NIDO?

Manila to puerto princesa to el nido, puerto princesa to el nido via shared van, the shared van transfer is inclusive of:.

• One-way shared transfer service to El Nido
• Hotel pick up
• English speaking driver
• Insurance provided by operator

PUERTO PRINCESA TO EL NIDO VIA PRIVATE VAN

Direct flight from manila to el nido, coron to el nido by ferry, eco tourism development fee, what to bring when traveling to el nido.

• Light and Breathable Clothes - as a tropical country, the weather in El Nido is most of the time hot and humid. I suggest that you wear light and breathable clothes. Depending on the season, also bring an umbrella, a light jacket, a windbreaker or raincoat for the occasional rain showers.
• Swimwear - island hopping is one of the most popular things to do when traveling to El Nido, Palawan. Be sure to bring your swimwear to fully enjoy the islands and the beaches of El Nido.
• Sun Block - always wear sun block when exploring the islands. Please use coral-friendly sunblock only.
• Aqua Shoes - always wear a pair of aqua shoes to protect your feet when exploring the islands and the lagoons. Be careful and avoid the sharp rocks when exploring the lagoons. A good pair of aqua shoes is definitely a must-have.
• Action Camera or Water-proof Camera - don't forget to bring a waterproof camera to document your precious travel moments. An action camera is highly recommended!

IS IT SAFE TO TRAVEL TO EL NIDO?

Good morning. See you in a bit #PuertoPrincesa, #Palawan! ❤️ #ThankYou #AirAsiaPH A photo posted by Pinoy Adventurista (Mervz) 🇵🇭 (@pinoyadventurista) on Dec 8, 2016 at 2:33pm PST

WHERE TO STAY: HOTELS AND RESORTS IN EL NIDO

Top-Rated Family-friendly Hotels and Resorts in El Nido

Raje residence, sophia's beach guest house, ipil suites el nido, top-rated luxury hotels and resorts in el nido, el nido resorts pangulasian island resort, lagun hotel, cauayan island resort and spa, budget hotels and hostels in el nido, our melting pot hostel, spin designer hostel, dormitels.ph el nido, outpost beach hostel, kame house backpackers, where to eat restaurants in el nido, what are the top 10 things to do in el nido, palawan.

• Island Hopping with lunch buffet in one of the islands. Island hopping tours are called "Tour A," "Tour B," "Tour C," etc. To get the best out of your trip, the most recommended tours for first-timers in El Nido are Tours A and C.
• Book DISCOUNTED El Nido Tour A Here!
• Book DISCOUNTED El Nido Tour B Here!
• Book DISCOUNTED El Nido Tour C Here!
• See El Nido town from Taraw Peak √ SEE RATES AND BOOK HERE!
• Beach Bumming, sun bathing, snorkeling and free diving
• Discover Scuba Diving Experience in El Nido √ SEE RATES AND BOOK HERE!
• Walk around town
• Food trip! Indulge in fresh seafood.
• Get a relaxing massage √ BOOK A MASSAGE HERE!
• Sunset watching at Corong-Corong and Marimegmeg Beaches
• Souvenir Shopping
• Side trip to San Vicente, Palawan
• Just 2.5 hours away from El Nido, a side trip to San Vicente's islands, beaches, tourist spots and attractions may be added in your El Nido itinerary. For ease and convenience, you may avail these San Vicente tour packages:
• San Vicente Land Tour
• Port Barton Island Hopping Tour
• Boayan Island Tour in San Vicente

OTHER THINGS TO DO IN EL NIDO (TOURIST SPOTS AND ATTRACTIONS)

• Beach Bumming at Nacpan Beach and Calitang Twin Beaches, dubbed as "The twin beaches of El Nido!"
• Walk on wooden path of the Mangrove Eco Park
• Explore around Yaposan Beach
• Scuba Diving
• Get wet at Nagkalit-kalit Waterfalls
• Trek to Makinit Hot Spring
• Explore Marimegmeg Beach
• Check out Pangulasian Island
• Visit Pinagbuyutan Island
• Explore Pinasil Island and Cathedral Cave
• Try the Bird's Nest soup
• Visit Kuyawayaw Waterfalls
• Enjoy Sibaltan Beach
• If you have more time and you want explore other worthy places outside El Nido, you can also visit Coron, Taytay, and Linapacan.
• Enjoy Lagen Island Resort Travel Bubble Package
• Experience Miniloc Island Resort Travel Bubble Package
• Enjoy an exclusive Huni Lio Resort Travel Bubble Package
• Overnight stay Seda Lio Stay with Breakfast Package

CHEAP AND AFFORDABLE EL NIDO TOUR PACKAGE

El nido tour a itinerary (rate: ₱ 900 per person).

• Hidden lagoon
• Shimizu Island
• Payong-payong Beach
• 7 Commando Beach

EL NIDO TOUR B ITINERARY (RATE: ₱ 1,100 per person)

• Snake Island
• Pinagbuyutan Island
• Pangulasian Island
• Cudugnon Cave
• Cathedral Cave

EL NIDO TOUR C ITINERARY (RATE: ₱ 1,250 per person)

• Helicopter Island
• Matinloc Shrine
• Secret Beach
• Talisay Beach
• Hidden Beach

EL NIDO TOUR D ITINERARY

• Cadlao Lagoon
• Paradise Beach
• Natnat Beach
• Small Lagoon

For other amazing guided tours, tourist spots, activities, and must-visit destinations in Palawan, PLEASE CLICK HERE .

EL NIDO DIY ITINERARY (4 Days and 3 Nights)

Day 1 - arrival in el nido / explore the town.

• 06:00 AM - 07:00 AM - Travel to Puerto Princesa City from Manila
• 07:30 AM - Arrive at Puerto Princesa City Airport
• 08:00 AM - 01:00 PM - Travel from Puerto Princesa to El Nido [ BOOK HERE! ]
• 02:00 PM - Arrive at El Nido, Check-in at the hotel or resort √ Click here to see the list of hotels & resorts in El Nido!
• 03:00 PM - Explore the town, Eat, Sunset Viewing
• 09:00 PM - Sleep

DAY 2 - EL NIDO TOUR A - BOOK HERE!

• 07:00 AM - Breakfast
• 08:30 AM - Start of Tour A
• Small lagoon or Big lagoon
• 04:30 AM - End of Tour A
• 07:00 PM - Dinner, Party, Have some drinks
• 09:00 AM - Sleep

DAY 3 - EL NIDO TOUR C - BOOK HERE!

• 08:30 AM - Start Tour C
• Tapiutan Island
• 04:30 AM - End of Tour C
• 05:00 AM - Catch the sunset at Corong-Corong
• 07:00 PM - Dinner and souvenir shopping

DAY 4 - TARAW PEAK AND DEPARTURE

• 08:00 AM - Trek to Taraw Peak via Canopy Walk [ SEE RATES AND BOOK HERE! ]
• 09:00 AM - End of Taraw Peak trek
• 10:00 AM - Go back to the hotel, prepare for check out
• 11:00 NN - Check out and have lunch
• 01:00 PM - Travel from El Nido to Puerto Princesa City [ BOOK HERE! ]
• 06:00 PM - Arrive at Puerto Princesa Airport
• 08:00 PM - Travel back to Manila

If you have more time, you may also avail El Nido Tour B and El Nido Tour D . For more SAMPLE EL NIDO ITINERARIES for 3, 4, 5, 6, Days Tour or more, PLEASE CLICK HERE .

Today's #sunset from Corong-corong beach #ElNido #Palawan! ❤️ A photo posted by Pinoy Adventurista (Mervz) 🇵🇭 (@pinoyadventurista) on Dec 12, 2016 at 1:56am PST

IS EL NIDO A BUDGET FRIENDLY DESTINATION?

Is it okay to travel solo in el nido, is there an atm in el nido, el nido budget and expenses.

• Van from Puerto Princesa to El Nido - PHP 500.00 per person
• Accommodation for 3 nights - 2,500 per night for 6 pax, total of PHP 7,500.00
• Food expenses - PHP 3,000 per person for 4 days
• Eco-Tourism Development Fee (ETDF) - PHP 200.00 per person
• Matinloc Shrine Entrance Fee - PHP 100.00 per person
• Big Lagoon Entrance Fee - PHP 200.00 per person
• As part of the implementation of the Protected Area Management Board (PAMB) Resolution No. 2017-051, effective 1 Dec 2018, guests must pay an additional and entrance fee to enter the Big Lagoon

Standard Join-in Island Hopping Tour Rates:

• Tour A - PHP 1,200 per person
• Tour B - PHP 1,300 per person
• Tour C - PHP 1,400 per person
• Tour D - PHP 1,200 per person
• Kayak Rental - PHP 400.00
• Souvenirs - PHP 100.00 - 500.00
• Transportation around town - PHP 800.00 for 4 days
• Shared Van from El Nido to Puerto Princesa - PHP 500.00 per person
• Terminal Fee (Puerto Princesa Airport) - PHP 200.00

EL NIDO SAMPLE EXPENSES FOR ₱7,000 PESOS BUDGET

• You will be traveling in a group of 2.
• Your maximum budget for food is PHP 250 per meal per person.
• You will be staying in a budget hotel for 1,500 pesos per night for 2 persons with breakfast. That's 4,500 pesos for 3 nights / 2 = 2,250 per person.

Breakdown of Expenses

Day 1 - arrival in el nido.

• Shared Van Puerto Princesa to El Nido - PHP 500.00 per person
• Lunch - PHP 250.00 per person
• Tricycle to Corong Corong Beach - PHP 200.00 (2-way for 2 persons)
• Dinner - PHP 250.00 per person

TOTAL - PHP 1,100 per person

Day 2 - el nido tour a.

• Breakfast - complimentary
• El Nido Tour A - PHP 900.000 per person
• Lunch - included in the tour

TOTAL - PHP 1,150 per person

Day 3 - el nido tour c.

• El Nido Tour C - PHP 1,250.000 per person

TOTAL - PHP 1,500 per person

Day 4 - taraw cliff and departure.

• Tricycle to Taraw Peak - PHP 100.00 / 2 = 50.00 per person
• Taraw Peak Canopy Walk - PHP 500.00 per person (with guide)
• Tricycle back to hotel - PHP 100.00 / 2 = 50.00 per person
• Shared van to Puerto Princesa - PHP 500.00 per person

TOTAL - PHP 1,200 per person

• Accommodation (3 nights) - PHP 2,250 per person
• Day 1 - PHP 1,100 per person
• Day 2 - PHP 1,150 per person
• Day 3 - PHP 1,500 per person
• Day 4 - PHP 1,200 per person

GRAND TOTAL - PHP 7,200 per person

• Round trip airfare Manila-Puerto Princesa-Manila
• Puerto Princesa terminal fee
• Transportation in and out of the airport
• Budget for pasalubong and tips
• Food expense for snacks
• Other miscellaneous expenses such as kayak rental, etc.

Enjoy that #Cloud9Moment with the feel-good chocolate goodness of Jack ‘N Jill Cloud 9 and get a chance to win a Cloud 9 gift pack and an Instax Kit! Details here: bit.ly/cloud9moment A photo posted by Pinoy Adventurista (Mervz) 🇵🇭 (@pinoyadventurista) on Dec 13, 2016 at 12:09am PST

Where to get Best Affordable Island Hopping Tour in El Nido?

Northern hope tours.

• E-mail: [email protected]
• Mobile Numbers: (+63) 939-902-2216 (Smart) (+63) 927-735-3221 (Globe) (+63) 942-375-2441 (Sun)
• Facebook: facebook.com/NorthernHopeTours
• Website: www.northernhopetours.com

El Nido Travel Requirements? What do you need to travel to Palawan?

There you have it my top things to do in el nido, tourist spots and best places to visit in palawan i hope this first-timer's travel guide to el nido palawan with sample diy itinerary, budget, and expenses help you in planning your el nido palawan adventure enjoy and have fun in el nido, palawan.

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7 comments :.

Very helpful guide. Thank u for this!

Sir. What's the price range of air fare? Thank you.

Thank you for sharing this itenerary

Wow! Thank you so much for sharing. We might follow your itineraries.

Hi. Question does tour A realli includes big and small lagoon? Do they charge 200 pesos for each lagoon?

Hi question. does tour A includes both big and small lagoon. do they charge 200pesos for each lagoon?

very helpful indeed!

Looking for Budget Travel Guide Blogs, Hotel Reviews, and Sample DIY Itineraries? Welcome to Pinoy Adventurista, "Your Next Ultimate Adventure Starts Here!" Pinoy Adventurista is one of the Top Travel Blogs in the Philippines and the World. In 2013, he visited all the 81 provinces in the Philippines.

The El Nido Travel Guide

Updated May 2024 ,  The El Nido Travel Guide was originally written in December 2018

El Nido has easily become one of the Philippines’ most recognizable hotspots, and rightfully so– it’s absolutely stunning, ( this should come as a shock to most of you since we all know I’m not a beachy holiday destination type ). Truth be told, I’ve been sitting on this information for quite a bit of time now. I’ve been to El Nino twice and will be back again, so sit back, get to planning, and enjoy this El Nido Travel Guide!

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First Things First: How To Get To El Nido

There are a number of ways to get to El Nido. The easiest is by a direct flight, but there are ferries, as well as an option to reach Puerto Princesa and take a bus the remainder of the way. For those looking to take the guesswork out of getting to El Nido, check out these transport packages to El Nido on Bookaway .

By Flight + Van

Easily the most common way to reach El Nino is by flight to Puerto Princesa and then by van to El Nido. There are frequent and cheap flights to Puerto Princesa from Manila and other cities in the Philippines. Flights can vary in price depending on how far out you book. Shuttle vans will set you back 850 PHP per person, each way.

By Direct Flight : There are direct flights to El Nido from Manila on  AirSwift , as well as Cebu and Boracay. Direct tickets are a bit more expensive than those flying into Puerto Princesa.

Manila Flights

• Daily flights to El Nido from Manila: 8:00, 12:00, 16:00, 17:35
• Daily flights from El Nido to Manila: 6:30, 9:55, 11:00, 14:00
• Price are: low season- ~5,300 PHP and high season ~7,500 PHP
• Flight time Manila-El Nido: 1 hour

Cebu Flights

• Daily flights to El Nido from Cebu: 15:15
• Daily flights from El Nido to Cebu: 12:55
• Prices are: low season- ~4,500 PHP and high season- ~6,300 PHP
• Flight time Cebu-El Nido 1 hour 30 minutes

Ferries go back and forth between El Nido & Coron, taking about 8 hours. A ferry from Coron to El Nido will cost you 1,700 PHP per person, each way.

It is possible to reach Coron by ferry from Manila as well for 1,350 PHP per person on up. It is run by 2Go Travel and runs on Tuesday and Friday, the ferry continues to Puerto Princesa as well. The ferry returns to Manila from Coron on Wednesday & Saturday.

Note that ferry cancellations due to bad weather are very common.

Where To Stay In El Nino

• There are many accommodation options in El Nido ranging from backpacker hostels to nice hotels to fit most budgets. The most popular area to stay in is El Nido town, which is handy for those who plan to get by on foot.
• Good, quieter options are Corong-Corong Beach, Marimegmeg Beach, and Sibaltan Beach. These are easily reached by the numerous tricycles around town or if you rent your own motorbike/scooter.

Shop accommodations around El Nido on booking

Where To Go & What To See

The biggest attraction to El Nido is getting out and exploring the scattering of gorgeous islands nearby by boat. Note that there is a 200 PHP Eco Tourism Development Fund fee that must be paid on your first trip to the islands and to visit several sites around El Nido that is valid for 10 days. If you book a tour they will include this as an additional fee on the price if you don’t already have one.

As of November 2018, The Department of Environment & Natural Resources has banned all combination tours and party boats. These changes reflect the desire to protect El Nido from the damages of over-tourism. It no longer possible to visit Big and Small Lagoons in the same day, and you will need to book Tour A in advance with a tour operator as they will need to register your name with the Protected Area Office.

Tour A will cost an additional 200 PHP that is paid to the Protected Area Office to visit premium locations of either Big Lagoon or Small Lagoon.

Shop El Nido Tours Here

Tour A: Beaches & Lagoons

This tour will bring you to see stunning beaches and amazing lagoons hidden from plain view. A Tours range in price from 1,000-2,000 PHP per person for a day tour on a boat with about 20 other passengers.

There will be an additional 200 PHP fee on A Tours as required by the Protected Area Office as an entrance fee for visiting either Big Lagoon or Small Lagoon.

Tour A Stops Include :

• Big Lagoon OR Small Lagoon*
• Seven Commando Beach
• Secret Lagoon
• Shimzu Island
• Talisay Beach

Tour B: Beaches & Caves

Tour B is less popular but includes wonderful islands that are typically less crowded. You’ll get to explore some cool caves and visit the lovely sandbar of Snake Island. B Tours range in price from 1,000-2,000 PHP per person for a day tour on a boat with about 20 other passengers.

Tour B Stops Include :

• Snake Island
• Pinagbuyutan Island
• Entaluta Island
• Popolkan Island
• Cudognon Cave
• Cathedral Cave

Looking to explore more of Ocean? Check out my  budget guide to Palau

Tour C: Secrets & Shrines

Tour C is an easy favorite with visits to beaches that are completely hidden from view and an epic shrine. C Tours range in price from 1,000-2,000 PHP per person for a day tour on a boat with about 20 other passengers.

Tour C Stops Include :

• Matinloc Shrine
• Hidden Beach
• Secret Beach*
• Helicopter Island

Tour D: Secluded Beaches

The D Tour is least popular but with that said you can get out to some less crowded spots making it worth the while. D Tours range in price from 1,000-1,500 PHP per person for a day tour on a boat with about 20 other passengers.

Tour D Stops include :

• Cadlao Lagoon
• Paradise Beach
• Pasandigan Beach
• Natnat Beach
• Bukal Beach

Tour E: Inland Twin Beaches & Waterfalls

This tour is offered around town, but can easily be done DIY by renting a scooter. The inland tour usually costs about 1,300-1,500 per person if doing it with a tour operator.

Tour E Stops Include :

• Nacpan & Calitang Beach
• Nagkalit-Kalit Falls

*Big Lagoon and Small Lagoon are premium locations. You will need to pay an additional 200 PHP for each visit to either one. Note that you may not visit both in one single day. These locations are only open to visit between 7 am-4 pm, and tours must be booked in advance so that your name can be registered.

**It is likely Secret Beach will eventually join Big Lagoon & Small Lagoon as a premium stop.

Hike Taraw Peak For Sunrise

The top of Taraw Peak gives awesome aerial views of Bacuit Bay below. Typically you will start this hike very early in the morning in the dark in order to reach the summit as the sun peeks above the horizon at about 5:50 am.

The hike takes about 2 hours to reach the top and a local guide is recommended. Guides will charge 350 PHP per person for the trip up there.

Chill On Las Cabanas Beach

Las Cabanas Beach sits just south of Corong-Corong. It seems to stretch on nearly forever and is typically pretty quiet. There are some guesthouses that have popped up behind the beach as well as restaurants and bars.

Go Ziplining

From Las Cabanas Beach it is possible to zipline over to little Depeldet Island and walk along the isthmus of sand back to Las Cabanas. Prices start at 500 PHP per person.

El Nido Day Trips & Outlying Areas

There are some great things to do outside of El Nido. These are all easily accessed by motorbike/scooter.

Nacpan & Calitang Beaches

The stunning Twin Beaches north of El Nido Town. For the best views hike up the hill to the east where you can see both beaches. Some tour boats offer trips out here as  Tour E , which cost 1,300-1,500 PHP per person.

Nagkalit-Kalit Waterfalls

Two waterfalls and a pool to cool off in after the hour or so hike to reach this point? Perfect! Make sure and bring a bottle of water with you. 300 PHP per person to visit with a guide.

Bulalacao Falls

3 waterfalls not too far from Nagkalit-Kalit Falls. About 90 minutes roundtrip and the possibility to swim in the pools around the falls. 400 PHP per person to visit with a guide.

Archeological site with cave paintings and remains dating back to 12,000 years ago. It’s also possible to hike to the top but is quite treacherous in areas. 400 PHP per person to visit with a guide.

Makinit Hotsprings

Located just a short stroll from the main road if you’re headed towards Nacpan Beach.

7 Day El Nido Travel Itinerary

Here is a rough itinerary for those headed to El Nido. Mix and match days as needed!

Day 1: Welcome To El Nido Town, Relax On The Beach & Catch Sunset

Get situated at your accommodation, grab some lunch at one of El Nido’s restaurants and catch some sun at one of the nearby beaches.

Day 2: Tour A

This seems to be the favorite tour of most visitors to El Nido, and easy to see why as it brings you to some very unique beaches and lagoons not quite like anywhere else.

Day 3: Tour D

Now that you’ve taken in some of El Nido’s most famous sites on Tour A, now visit some of the lesser-known and visited sights on Tour D.

Day 4: Nacpan Beach & Waterfalls or Inland Tour E

Rent a scooter and head out to Nagkalit-Kalit Falls for a quick hike and swim before continuing on to the Twin Beaches of Nacpan & Calitang. Just be careful and don’t wreck your bike as I did on my 2016 trip ( I have several scars to prove it ). If you’re not that adventurous you can set up an Inland Tour ‘E’.

Day 5: Tour B

Today go explore more of El Nido’s islands and check out the caves and beaches offered on Tour B. For those not interested in island hopping today, use this day to explore more of El Nido Town, Las Cabanas Beach, go zip lining, trek Taraw Peak, cruise on scooters or just relax.

Day 6: Tour C

Take in the rest of the beautiful islands of El Nido on this day. Tour C is actually my personal favorite with secret beaches and shrines.

Day 7: Morning Trek Up Taraw Peak, Relax At Las Cabanas Beach & Say Goodbye

Get an early rise and begin the two hour trek to the top of Taraw Peak ( sunrise is typically around 5:50 am ) and enjoy a magical sunrise over the stunning Bacuit Bay. After you descend back to sea level make your way over to Las Cabanas to relax and get some sun before you say goodbye to El Nido.

Got More Time?

Make sure to take a Tour D trip and take your time exploring more of the outlying areas like Ille Cave, Bulalacao Falls, Makinit Hotsprings & more.

El Nido Travel Budget

Since there are several options to reach El Nido, these prices do not include the costs of getting there and away. I’ve included a breakdown of prices for different categories:

Accommodations

• Backpacker hostel dorm bed : 600 PHP/night
• Decent Double With A/C : 2,000 PHP/night
• Splurge On A Bougier Double Room : 5,000 PHP/night

Transportation

• Tricycle Taxis : 300 PHP one way for trips to Corong-Corong and Merimegmeg and 1,500 PHP for return trips to Nacpan including waiting on you
• Scooter/Motorbike Rental : 500 PHP/day
• Island Hopping: Tour A, B, C or D will cost you roughly 1,500 PHP/day. These also include lunch.  Check out tour options here .
• Budget : 450 PHP/day if sticking to Filipino dishes and fast foods
• Midrange : 1,000 PHP/day for midrange sit-down places. There are heaps of restaurants offering up dishes from all over the world in El Nido

El Nido Travel Tips & FAQ

• There is an ATM in town but it doesn’t hurt to stock up on cash before your arrival
• Electricity is available 24 hours/day, most of the time. Outages aren’t uncommon. Grab an external battery before you leave home
• Buy a waterproof bag for electronics at shops or stalls in El Nido Town
• The internet and wifi sucks in El Nido, if you need to be connected at all times rethink your travel plans… Though who would come here and want to be on the internet?
• Don’t skip out on an island hopping tour, this is how you get to the most beautiful parts of El Nido
• Book tours that include Big or Small Lagoon in advance. Don’t forget you can no longer visit both on the same day
• Book in advance if you plan to visit in the high season (November-March)
• I don’t recommend anything less than 3 days in El Nido
• Don’t forget you’ll need to pay the 200 PHP/person ETDF fee that is good for 10 days. You will also need to pay the 200 PHP PAO fee for each visit to Big or Small Lagoon
• There is a medical clinic in El Nido, the Dr isn’t on staff on evenings and Sundays but is reachable if having an emergency. I know because I wrecked a motorbike on a Sunday evening and waited until Monday morning to get stitches

Have Any Questions Not Answered In This El Nido Travel Guide?

Ask any of your El Nido travel questions comments below!

More Posts from the Philippines:

El Nido Travel Guide & Itinerary: Palawan, Philippines

Looking for an El Nido Tour? Cruise El Nido with Ape Tours Palawan!

1 thought on “el nido travel guide & itinerary: palawan, philippines”.

Hi Jane, Palawan is just lovely. I too have not visited Coron but I would love to. We were supposed to visit the last time I was in the Philippines, but we ended up running out of time. I hope things can start returning to normal again there soon.

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The Ultimate TOUR A Experience in El Nido, Palawan (Story & Guide)

Our second day marked the beginning of our exploration of the islands, beaches, and limestone formations in El Nido.

Tour A is one of the most popular in El Nido. Unlike Tour C, which is known for its hidden and secret beaches, Tour A focuses on the breathtaking lagoons.

We were early for our rendezvous at the port. We smiled and chatted with fellow tourists, seizing the opportunity to connect with other travelers. There, we met Michael and Sarah, a Swiss couple, who shared their travel stories with us and expressed their enjoyment of the Philippines . This is one of the best things about travel – the people you meet along the way.

By 8 AM, we hopped on the boat and the tour began.

Although Tour A is renowned for its breathtaking lagoons, our first stop that morning was the beach. The clear waters and limestones of 7 Commandos Beach were a stunning introduction to El Nido .

1. 7 Commandos Beach

7 Commandos Beach is the closest to El Nido town, so it’s typically either the first or the last stop on the tour.

We had no complaints about starting here, as it gave us a fantastic glimpse into the wonder of  El Nido with its white sand, clear waters, and limestone cliffs, fulfilling every desire for relaxation in an island paradise.

Approaching the island 🙂

READ STORY: 7 Commandos Beach of El Nido, Palawan

2. Big Lagoon

After spending a few minutes walking along the long stretch of beach, we headed to the Big Lagoon. The entrance to the Big Lagoon, with its surreal and magical pathway, was a breathtaking experience.

It felt like two colossal cliffs were parting ways to welcome us, like entering a different realm. It was incredibly beautiful!

READ STORY:   Big Lagoon of El Nido: Just Like a Fantasy Movie

3. Shimizu island

Next, we headed to Shimizu Island.

One of the boatmen, who sat beside me, revealed that this was their favorite island – a sentiment shared by many tour guides and boatmen. When I inquired why, he mentioned that it’s where we would have our lunch.

Shimizu Island, named after a Japanese scuba diver who tragically died while exploring its underwater tunnels, offers the perfect setting for beach bumming while enjoying seafood, delectable ensalada, veggies, and fruits. We enjoyed it immensely!

READ STORY:   Shimizu Island, El Nido : Our Boatmen’s Favorite Island

4. Secret Lagoon

Our next stop was the Secret Lagoon. We halted near a cluster of huge rocks. As all the tourists headed in one direction, we followed, swimming and walking on sharp rocks until we reached a small opening.

Passing through a hole, we found ourselves inside an enclosed lagoon. It was an awe-inspiring sight!

READ STORY:    Exploring the Secret Lagoon of El Nido

5. Small Lagoon

The Small Lagoon was our final destination and one of the most unforgettable adventures in El Nido.

We kayaked to a narrow entrance, feeling an exhilarating rush as we ventured inside the Small Lagoon. It was simply amazing how nature has crafted such breathtaking beauty.

READ THE BLOG POST: 15 Best Resorts in El Nido

READ STORY: What I learned while Kayaking at Small Lagoon, El Nido

In conclusion, if you seek the ultimate summer destination in the Philippines, El Nido is, without a doubt, the place to be!

El Nido: Tour A Travel Guide 2024

Welcome to El Nido, a slice of paradise in Palawan, Philippines! Tour A is a must-do for any visitor, known for its stunning lagoons, picturesque beaches, and awe-inspiring limestone formations. BOOK EL NIDO TOUR A

Key Destinations on Tour A

• Big Lagoon: A majestic and serene lagoon surrounded by towering limestone cliffs. Ideal for kayaking and swimming in its crystal-clear waters.
• Small Lagoon: Accessible via a narrow opening, this lagoon is a hidden gem perfect for snorkeling and exploring by kayak.
• Secret Lagoon: Nestled behind limestone rocks, it’s a unique spot accessed through a small hole, leading to a secluded pool of water.
• 7 Commandos Beach: Known for its powdery white sand and vibrant marine life, it’s great for relaxation and snorkeling.
• Shimizu Island: Famous for its stunning coral reefs, it’s an excellent spot for snorkeling. Also, a popular lunch stop where you can enjoy fresh seafood and local dishes.

READ MORE: 15 Best Resorts in El Nido

Travel Tips for Tour A

Best Time to Visit : The dry season from December to May offers the best weather conditions for exploring.

Booking the Tour : Book your tour in advance, especially during peak season. Many local operators offer Tour A , but prices and inclusions can vary.

Packing Essentials : Bring sunscreen, hats, sunglasses, water-resistant bags for electronics, and snorkeling gear. Although some tours provide snorkeling equipment, it’s always best to have your own for comfort and hygiene.

Environmental Preservation : El Nido is a protected area. Always follow the ‘leave no trace’ principle, avoiding littering and disturbing marine life.

Staying Hydrated : It’s crucial to stay hydrated under the sun. Bring a refillable water bottle; many tours provide water refills.

Safety Precautions : Always listen to your guide, especially when swimming or snorkeling, as currents can be strong in some areas.

Photography: Don’t forget your camera! El Nido offers some of the most photogenic landscapes in the world.

Tour A in El Nido is a breathtaking experience that showcases the beauty of Palawan’s natural landscapes. By following these tips, you’re set for an unforgettable adventure in one of the Philippines’ most stunning destinations.

Updates log 01/10/2017 – First published Updated the guide for 2024

More El Nido Blog Posts

• Puerto Princesa to El Nido by bus and van 
• Manila to Puerto Princesa by Ferry 
• Coron to El Nido by Fast Ferry

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